Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with William Ryan, Founder of Ryan Consulting, LLC., located in Prospect, KY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My mission is to provide organizations options that develop high-performing people in the flow of work using learning and performance solutions strategically with the goal of improving engagement and driving retention by targeting people, processes, and platforms that impact the business culture. My customer is anyone with a training and learning need.
Tell us about yourself
With experience leading remote teams in corporate and educational settings in senior executive roles, I wanted to work with different types of organizations to support and develop their employees. Having been in distance learning for most of my career, the opportunity to bring the lessons I have learned over time to support hybrid and remote workforces is very exciting.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Working with an entrepreneur who had come up with a unique solution to care for infants and help them move from concept to content to implementation and delivery. I worked with them on the curriculum, developed assessments, created the online modules, implemented their LMS, and continue to support and help them refine and reach out to the clinical community to provide the education and training that improves the patient’s care.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Building the network that knows “you.” I’ve tried different ideas, but word-of-mouth is the key to my business success, and investing the time every day to be “top-of-mind” in your network is challenging.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Obtain legal and financial guidance up front, set up is vital.
- Look for cost-effective (free!) options for business needs such as invoices, marketing, and social media, and don’t try to use everything all at once.
- Invest the time to build your community, the network of people you haven’t yet met but will be your path towards future success. Virtual coffees are fun!
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Remember, it’s about the person in front of you. Listen, reflect, and understand their need deeply before you begin any pitch. I’ve also learned that sometimes I am not the right solution, but I know someone and am willing to make that connection. People remember to support and help and will come back next time.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.williamjryan.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RyanConsultingLLC/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/WmJRyan
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-j-ryan/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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